The girls’ pink Gruffalo print pyjama set from Debenhams has provoked accusations of sexism

But while the blue boys’ pair remains in-keeping with the book’s style and storyline, featuring the character stalking a mouse in the “deep dark wood”, parents claim the girls’ set, which is pink and “friendly”, is patronising and sexist.

Writing on the Let Clothes Be Clothes Facebook page, angry mums and dads ranted that the pink PJs, costing between €22 and €25 in Debenhams stores across Ireland, pander to the outdated stereotype that girls are more sensitive and easily scared than boys.

A post on the page featuring pictures of the two sets read: “Debenhams – the official page have rewritten #TheGruffalo just for girls (sic)!

“Spot the difference… ‘All girls will love and know the friendly face of the Gruffalo!’ Boys: These pyjamas are a must have for a little Gruffalo fan. #notbuyingit #everydaysexism #PatronisingtotheMAX.”

Commenting on the post, one mum wrote: “Whoops, I accidentally bought my daughter the boys’ version of the Gruffalo, where he’s scary, instead of the girls version where they all link arms and have a picnic together.”

Another asked: “The Gruffalo isn’t friendly. Why do they feel the need to make him look kind and gentle and aim it at girls? They are changing the story and it’s not what little girls or boys want.”